Thursday, 28 July 2016

Today, I'd like to welcome Ben Burgess Jr, author of “Daddy’s Girl” to The Thursday Interview. Before we get started, a quick intro!

Ben Burgess Jr is the author of the award-winning novels "Monster", "Wounded", the poetry book "Times Have Changed and Life is Strange" and the new novel "Love and Happiness" He is an active performer of spoken word poetry. Ben Burgess Jr uses his love of writing to inspire and influence youths to strive for what they believe in, and to never give up on their dreams. His poetry book "Times Have Changed and Life is Strange" and his novel "Monster" are currently used in schools on the lower east side of Manhattan. Ben Burgess has a BA degree in Business Management and an MA degree in Educational Leadership. He is the proud father of his daughter Jaelynn and is active in trying to improve urban neighborhoods and communities.

OK - HERE WE GO !!

No.1 Would you break the law to save a loved one? Why?

Depends on the scenario. If it’s to save a loved one's life, I say yes. The purpose of law enforcement is to preserve human life. Any law that stops me from doing what I believe is necessary to save the life of someone I love is, in my view, is an unjust law.

No.2 What is the difference between being alive and truly living?

Some people just exist and never take risks in their lives. To truly live, I believe a person must experience new things, meet people who have different philosophies in life than you to keep you open-minded, and you have to take risks. I feel if you fail to do those things, you’re merely existing. As people, I believe we should always want to evolve and become better versions of ourselves all the time.

No.3 What motivates you to write?

My biggest inspiration/motivation is my daughter. As a parent, I want nothing but the best for my child. I look at her as an extension of myself. I didn’t have a great childhood. My parents didn’t have a lot of money, I was insecure about myself, I lived in poverty, and I missed out on opportunities due to a lack of funds. While my childhood wasn’t the best, I had a great role model, my Mother. I watched my Mom struggle to pay bills, work two jobs, put herself through school all the way up to her doctorate, and moved us out of the dangerous neighborhood we lived in, and into a house in the suburbs. She did all of these tasks on her own. My Mother did the best she could to push for me to have better opportunities than she did. She drove me to want more out of myself and to become the best person I could be. That is exactly what I wish to do for my child. I want to instill in her that strong work ethic and will. I want her to realize that with hard work and dedication, she can do anything she puts her mind to. I want her to see how I juggle being an NYPD detective, personal trainer, Father, and author. I love her, and I want to be that positive role model she looks up to like my Mother was for me. Every achievement, every award, every acknowledgment I receive, I want her to understand that I put 100% into everything I do. I pray that it pushes her to be a great person.

No.4 Why do humans want children?

I can’t speak for everyone but I know for me, I wanted to have children to continue my goal of improving the world. Like I said earlier, I look at my daughter as an extension of myself. I want to raise her to be a great person, someone who will help to make the world a better place. If I instil that work ethic and strong will in her, a piece of me will always live on even when I’m eventually gone.

No.5 What was the biggest challenge in creating your book "Daddy’s Girl"?

The biggest challenge was connecting this story to my other books. My intention was always to have them connected, but it takes a lot to make sure that everything makes sense and is believable. It was also hard to write the story from “Lynn’s” birth to her wedding day. It took a lot of planning and thought.

No.6 What is the most important thing you have learned in life so far?

Ten two-letter words: If It Is To Be, It Is Up To Me. You have to believe in yourself. It doesn’t matter how strong—or weak—your support system is.

No.7 How did you come up with the title "Daddy’s Girl”?

I wanted a title that I felt would quickly explain what the book was about. At first glance, I figured people would see the title “Daddy’s girl” and already understand that the book was about a father and his daughter.

No.8 How do you handle personal criticism?

As a writer, you have to have thick skin. Some people will love your book, some will hate it. Some people will be jealous or spiteful and say things just to hurt you. Some people will criticize to make you better. As an author, my job is to understand this and know where everyone fits in those categories. I’m not perfect. I know I can always improve, so for those who offer me meaningful criticism I listen to it and use it to grow as an author. For those who just spew negativity out of jealous, I wish them well and move on. I can’t dwell on negativity. I have to grow and get better.

No.9 Why should people read your book?

When I write, I try to create stories that haven’t already been told. I don’t want people to think that my books are just smut. I don’t want to be similar to another author. I feel if we all read the same, then what would set us apart? I write about topics most people can relate to and understand. I think it’s always good to see things in different perspectives to stay well versed and open minded. I want to be an inspiration to other authors and readers—to encourage them to think outside the box. I pour my heart and soul into everything I write, and I feel when readers give my books a chance, they will see that also.

No.10 Why is there something rather than nothing?

There is something rather than nothing because, with anything, you can always create something out of the least amount of material. For example, if you weren’t given a lot of tools or equipment, you could still create art. If you weren’t given musical instruments, you could still make music. When it comes to people, even if you weren’t given as many opportunities in life like most, you can still be a great person. “Something” will always exist even when it might appear to be nothing.

Nick Johnson has always been an underachieving, borderline alcoholic. He soon finds himself in over his head when his affair with Vickie, an unhappily married homemaker, results in an accidental pregnancy. Vickie abandons Nick to raise their biracial daughter, Lynn, alone. Overwhelmed by the difficulties of single fatherhood and seeking comfort and help for himself in that stressful journey, Nick dates numerous women who will change his life forever.

Will raising Lynn force him to mature? Can a single father with a challenging past teach his daughter to become a strong, successful woman? Will a Daddy's Girl, raised primarily by her father, leave Lynn destined to fail from a lack of female guidance?

Thursday, 21 July 2016

Today, I'd like to welcome Matthew O. Duncan, author of “The Last Flight of the Phoenix” to The Thursday Interview. Before we get started, a quick intro!

Matthew O. Duncan is an award winning playwright, photographer and writer. He attended Northern Arizona University where he earned degrees in Theater & Psychology, and won his first awards for play writing. Starting his career with the Disney Co. he cut his teeth learning the "ins and outs" of the world’s most successful entertainment company. Moving on to find more challenges and creative freedom he worked for a number of theatres where he wrote plays, performed on stage, directed and then finally became a novelist.

OK - HERE WE GO !!

No.1 Would you break the law to save a loved one and why?

Yes. Although I respect that laws are in place to protect society as a whole, I would not hesitate to do whatever I had to do to protect my family.

No.2 What is the difference between being alive and truly living?

Being alive is a state of existence, where as truly living is to appreciate the moment. We are born once and die only once, but each moment of life is a new one and is an opportunity for a million options.

No.3 What motivates you to write?

Writing is my opportunity to do all the things I fear I cannot, mold them into perfection and then share them with the world. That sounds verbose, but honestly writing is the first thing that I really love that everyone seems to like.

No.4 Why do humans want children?

I have two boys. The process of raising them, teaching them and wanting only the best for them makes me feel as though I have a better understanding of the meaning of life and why we are here.

No.5 What was the biggest challenge in creating your book “The Last Flight of the Phoenix” ?

Meeting the quality of the first book. So many people loved the first book and were so excited for a sequel that I feared I would not live up to their expectations. That’s why it took me two years and two editors, to finish it. So far I’m getting positive feedback.

No.6 What is the most important thing you have learned so far?

Never give up on your dreams. When things were going bad for my family, I was out of work, bill were piling up and we were at risk of losing our house, my wife encouraged me to go back to writing saying “No matter how bad things get, I never want you to give up on your dreams.”

No.7 How did you come up with the title “The Last Flight of the Phoenix” ?

The Starship T.S.S. Phoenix was introduced in the first book, The Warrior’s Stone, but was lost half way through the story. I wanted to know what happened to it, so the sequel tells that story, among others. So to me the title was a given.

No.8 How do you handle personal criticism?

I have a problem with it. I can deal with constructive criticism, but I don’t deal well with personal attracts. When it happens I remove myself from the source (turn off the computer, hang-up or leave the room.) It ends the discussion, but it takes me hours or days before I focus on writing again.

No.9 Why should people read your book?

If you like vulgar language, graphic sex and violence or extreme opinions, this book is not for you. However if you like character driven stories in a futuristic setting with elements of sci-fi and fantasy, than I believe you with enjoy this work. You can find some detailed reviews about the first book The Warrior’s Stone on Amazon.

No.10 Why is there something rather than nothing?

Is what we imagine any less real that the object in the room? I say no. What we dream in our minds, think in our heads and believe in our hearts have more meaning, and therefore more reality, than any object we can see with our eyes or touch with our hands. That is why we are here; to know that there is something and to acknowledge that the universe exists.

The war was over except for the crew of the T.S.S. Phoenix. Lost deep in enemy space, crippled, but not dead. The odds of survival were stacked against them, but they were still determined to fight their way back towards allied space.

On New Terra, Roy O’Hara had discovered peace for his spirit and joy in a simple life. Yet he had only fulfilled a portion of the Commander’s Prophecy. It told of a darkness that would fall on his new home from the stars and he would be called upon once again to save them all.

The Alliance turned a blind eye to the sudden growth of the Sa’larie Empire just beyond their borders, but some in the intelligent community could see the clues of a new threat. A covert team is sent to discover the truth of the alien’s goals and they discover much more than they could have ever imagined.

Different paths of unlikely allies and new foes will intersect in the skies and on the ground of New Terra once again, where everything will change and destinies will collide.

Thursday, 7 July 2016

Today, I'd like to welcome Shannon Myers, author of “From This Day Forward” to The Thursday Interview. Before we get started, a quick intro!

I'm a born and raised Texan. I moved to Denver, Colorado in 2003 and met the love of my life. After having our first son, we decided to get back to that small town feel and moved back home. We had our second son in 2011 and let me just say that those boys have my heart. I've always been a hopeless romantic and I love a good "Happily Ever After" just as much as the next person. I've always had ideas for stories and loved to entertain my family with short stories growing up.

OK - HERE WE GO !!

No.1 Would you break the law to save a loved one? Why?

This question reminds me of Kohlberg’s moral dilemmas - specifically the one where the husband steals a drug from a druggist to save his wife. For me, there is no question, I would absolutely break the law to save the life of a loved one. I think, for me, the minute I knew I was pregnant with my oldest I knew I would give my life for him. My husband and kids are my world and I’d do anything to keep them here with me longer.

No.2 What is the difference between being alive and truly living?

I think many people go through life, just to survive. They attend the same jobs, see the same people, and never branch outside of their comfort zones. They are, for all intents and purposes, just alive. I’ve been there before. There were times in my life that I felt like I was just trying to get through the day. I’ve found that to truly live, you have to take some risks and change up the routine.

No.3 What motivates you to write?

I feel like I’ve constantly got a story building in my head. I’ll get an idea and unless I get it down on paper, it dominates my thought process. I find that once I have an idea and begin writing, the story kind of takes on a mind of its own. I’m motivated to write because I don’t want those ideas to be forgotten and once I’ve started, I’m invested.

No.4 Why do humans want children?

I can’t speak for all humans, but I’m the oldest of four children and I enjoyed taking care of my siblings when they were younger. I always knew I wanted a family of my own, I like the idea of sharing my life with my littles and getting to see who they become as they grow older. Plus, if I didn’t have kids what would I do with all of the extra free time? Ha!

No.5 What was the biggest challenge in creating your book, From This Day Forward?

The biggest challenge was in giving up control. I originally wrote the story a specific way, but it wasn’t well received and it felt forced. When I went back and read it, the clues were there all along, so I wrote the book the way the characters directed. It took me another two years from there before I felt confident enough to release it to the world.

No.6 What is the most important thing you have learned in life so far?

I’ve learned that life is too short to waste time. I’ve come to realize that I’m not going to be everyone’s cup of tea and I need to be okay with that. I feel like I wasted too much time chasing after people, trying to make them like me. It was such a relief to come to terms with the fact that I’m better than that. To be unapologetically myself has been freeing.

No.7 How did you come up with the title From This Day Forward?

From This Day Forward is a story that deals with marriage and the vows we take. This is also a story where one of the characters has amnesia from an accident. I like how the vow, from this day forward, covers both aspects of the story.

No.8 How do you handle personal criticism?

I don’t like being criticised, but I do believe criticism is necessary in order to grow. I think that we can become stagnant if we have never received any constructive criticism. I liked my original story, but when the feedback I received was negative, it forced me to look at the story through someone else’s eyes. In the end, I think the story was so much better thanks in large part to the criticism I received. On that note, I am aware that I will never write a story that everyone loves, and that’s okay too. I think when it’s done constructively, criticism can be seen as a challenge, a new way to break outside the box.

No.9 Why should people read your book?

I think if you are a fan of romance, then you should read this book. It’s not insta-love, which I am also a fan of, but it’s real. I feel like this is a real life romance, where every character has their flaws, but you find yourself still rooting for them in the end. While it does end in a cliffhanger, the second book will be released in July and it does feature a happily ever after.

No.10 Why is there something rather than nothing?

There is always something. Even in the midst of the worst tragedy, the story isn’t over, not by a long shot. It might be something that you were unprepared to face, but it will not be the end of you. I like to tell my husband when things get rough, “This moment right here? This is where we turn it around. This is where we have our comeback.” Even when I pass, I know that a part of me will live on inside my kids. That is why there will always be something, rather than nothing.

Thursday, 23 June 2016

Today, I'd like to welcome Jenna Whittaker, author of “Dreamscape” to The Thursday Interview. Before we get started, a quick intro!

My name is Jenna Whittaker and I am an Australian author who has been writing fantasy, science fiction, and horror novels for as long as I can remember! I have self-published 2 novels--1 science fiction and 1 fantasy, have finished the first draft of a 3rd, a dystopian fantasy (to edit and then publish later this year) and finally am currently writing the first draft of a 4th, another fantasy, about half-way done.

OK - HERE WE GO !!

No.1 Would you break the law to save a loved one?

It would depend on the situation and the law being broken…But usually, yes, a loved one is most certainly of more concern to me than not stealing, or similar. I would be far less likely to commit murder for a loved one but even then, if it were to save their life (if they were kidnapped by a serial killer, for instance) then I would try.

No.2 What is the difference between being alive and truly living?

Being alive is just going through the motions, not even thinking for yourself. Go to school, get a job, get married, have kids, retire. Truly living involves doing the things you love, loving people and helping them, and altogether thinking outside of the box!

No.3 What motivates you to write?

The fact that I wouldn’t know what to do with myself if I didn’t! I come up with stories all of the time, all of my life…whether in the written form, as daydreams, etc. If I didn’t write them down, they’d all be swimming around in my head and probably drive me mad!

No.4 Why do humans want children?

Interesting question. Because all animals have the base instinct to reproduce, and we are, at our most basic level, animals. Hormones and instinct and the desire to love and be loved.

No.5 What was the biggest challenge in creating "Dreamscape" ?

Definitely the editing phase. I can get the ideas down, write them into a narrative with character development, conflict, etc. The part where I make it all make sense, get rid of plot holes, and EDIT…that’s the hardest part, mainly because it’s far less enjoyable!

No.6 What is the most important thing you have learned in life so far?

That other people’s opinions do not matter. They do, in a way, but in the end, you have to do what’s right for you instead of living to please other people. No matter how hard you try you cannot control most of what goes on in your life. You just have to work around the obstacles and hopefully use those obstacles as life lessons and even personal triumphs.

No.7 How did you come up with the title "Dreamscape" ?

It was just the word I thought of to describe the alternate dimension where the gods reside in my novel. It came to me as I was writing, and as the story revolves around the gods there and the character having to travel there in a moment of conflict, it seemed fitting.

No.8 How do you handle personal criticism?

Not as well as I should! It hurts, but I try to take it and use it to improve. No one person is correct or perfect, but I respect everyones views regardless of who they are. Not as well as I should! It hurts, but I try to take it and use it to improve.

No.9 Why should people read your book?

Because it’s awesome! It’s a really interesting read; I’ve had multiple people tell me (and not all friends and family), and it’d mean the world to me to see others read and enjoy the fruits of my hard work.

No.10 Why is there something rather than nothing?

Because there is something. If there wasn’t, there’d be nothing, but there isn’t. Something exists BECAUSE it exists and there’s no other alternative. Nothingness exists elsewhere. Then again, if we were nothing, how would we even think?

Khalos had powers he didn’t even realise, and when they awakened, they destroyed his world. After a fire, started from his rage, burned down his childhood home, Khalos’ innocence died in the ashes. He began a long journey to a city where he may be safe—and others may be safe from him--meeting up with a woman who worked with dark forces from the future.

As the world is plunged into turmoil, Khalos and his link to the dreamscape is fought over by every side. Does he allow the machine from the future to awaken those in the realm of the dead? Does he follow the mystical Sisters and their quest to destroy the machine? And what about Ianthe, his wife and hidden servant of the machine and its worshippers?

Thursday, 16 June 2016

Today, I'd like to welcome Rosemary Fonseca, author of “A Collection of Inspirations” to The Thursday Interview. Before we get started, a quick intro!

Rosemary Fonseca, Is a Pagan and Spiritualist, and has only been writing since 2013. Her 2 books, “A Collection of Inspirations” Vol. 1 and Vol 2 was published in 2015. She has been known to write inspirational quotes as well. She was born in Nairobi/Kenya , lived in South Africa since the age of 8. In 2003 She and her daughter emigrated to Ireland. She writes Inspirational and Spiritual Poetry . She had a spiritual awakening in 2013, while visiting a wiccan couple (Druids)property in Castlepooke, Co.Cork, Ireland. This is where her first poem “A Journey Entered” was composed . And she still writes in this style today. She can be found writing literally anywhere as she carries a notebook with her, as her poems appear at a drop of a hat. She currently lives in ireland with her husband (muse) , daughter and 4 cats.

OK - HERE WE GO !!

No.1 Would you break the law to save a loved one?

I would break the law to save either my daughter or my husband. There would never be a question that I would not, as they have always been my lifestay. My family is very important and I am the kind of person who believes in what you give out, comes back to you, so if it means putting myself at risk – yes I would break the law to save my loved one. But saying that if they were in the wrong they must be accountable for their actions .

No.2 What is the difference between being alive and truly living?

There is a difference between the two. Being Alive is just surviving with what you have and got. Barely breathing – just being, existing. I lived in another country living for others, allowing them to control what I did to make them happy. But when you have a chance to start afresh , go for it. I emigrated to another country, and this is where I am truly alive – Living a life where I can breathe and living life to the fullest. There is never a question that I made the right choice to move and be happy. Challenging yourself shows you are truly alive, as it brings everything into perspective seeing new things everyday.

No.3 What motivates you to write?

I find that life motivates me. I write to inspire others to help themselves. Nature on the whole speaks to everyone, and words, people, etc motivates me to express myself through the poetry I write. If I dont write I find that I have a nagging voice in my head who puts me into a spin if I dont put pen to paper. I believe I have a spiritual Guide who berates me when I dont listen. I get very restless until I put the words on paper. Sound mad but that how my poetry comes.

No.4 Why do humans want children?

We as humans want to procreate, and have a legacy to give to them. To have a child would complete you, and makes you a better person for having them. They are the innocent within this world. They bring you joy, laughter and also heartache but your life is much fuller with them in it. A child's heart is pure and truly amazing to see. They see things that we do not see, and can teach others to appreciate life as they see it.

No.5 What was the biggest challenge in creating "A Collection of Inspirations" ?

My biggest challenge was to become published and letting others read my poetry. It took me out of my comfort zone, but I love challenging myself to do things that others least expect from me. It took me awhile to allow others to read what I had written. Now that I have - I am amazed at the reaction.

No.6 What is the most important thing you have learned in life so far?

The most important thing would be – You can be, or do anything you set your mind to. I left one country (South Africa) , and emigrated to another (Ireland) with my daughter. The important thing is that one can depend on yourself to survive. Put yourself out there – Challenge yourself – Go out of your comfort zone and you will survive. Trust in yourself and you will be a better person. Believe in yourself, and value your friendships as you travel within this world. There is something which controls and directs your life .. be it God, or whoever, when you learn from it you will evolve , and you should be proud with what you experience. You can be happy anywhere when you put roots down. Life is for living not harbouring resentments towards others. I believe things happen for a reason, and only when you learn this, then you can realise what things are important in ones life.

No.7 How did you come up with the title "A Collection of Inspirations" ?

My husband, who is my muse , came up with the title. I have a huge collection of inspirational poetry on my computer. We even looked up on the internet to see if there was anyone else with that title. We combined our thoughts together and came up with it. He is acknowledged in My second book as the inspiration of the title.

No.8 How do you handle personal criticism?

I dont usually mind them, but I know people would have different views on my writing. I try to take the good with the bad, and take out what I need from it, and learn as I continue. No one person is correct or perfect, but I respect everyone's views regardless of who they are.

No.9 Why should people read your book?

I believe people should read my book as I hope my words would inspire them. It I can touch just one person, then I have done what I have set out to do, which would to encourage others. I would say read with an open mind and an open heart. We are all here in this world to help others either by inspiration or leadership. I believe there is something for everyone in each of my writings.

No.10 Why is there something rather than nothing?

There is something or someone out there who we will have to answer to. It could be ourselves or what evere makes you think. I would say how you treat another would come back to you. I believe in the force of nature, there is an ebb and a flow to life. Be positive, be happy, help others and it will be return to you. I am pagan who believes that we should be held accountable in whatever we do. We are the ones that make our lives into what we want to make it.

Today, I'd like to welcome Carole Ann Moleti, author of “Breakwater Beach” to The Thursday Interview. Before we get started, a quick intro!

Carole Ann Moleti works as a nurse-midwife in New York City, thus explaining her fascination with all things paranormal, urban fantasy, and space opera. Her nonfiction focuses on health care, politics, and women's issues. But her first love is writing science fiction and fantasy because walking through walls is less painful than running into them.

OK - HERE WE GO !!

No.1 Would you break the law to save a loved one?

Certainly not if they had hurt or killed someone, or stolen valuable items or a large amount of cash. Perhaps they were acting in self defense or were in some other desperate situation needing food, clothing or shelter. I look at the moral and ethical principles in every decision I make.

No.2 What is the difference between being alive and truly living?

If your heart is beating and you're breathing, you're alive. But if you aren't spending part of each day doing something or caring for someone you love you're not even trying to live up to your potential.

No.3 What motivates you to write?

I am compelled to write when something touches me deeply or angers me. That's why I write both fiction and nonfiction. When I sit down to write, there is always a kernel of truth--and real life--in the story. When it involves my job, I could be breaking the law or code of ethics by writing about it.

No.4 Why do humans want children?

Now that is a subject near and dear to my heart. Babies, or how to not have babies, are a big part of my business. There is an instinct to reproduce, but having children is a statement you that want your values and aspirations to live on after you. I delivered babies for years before I had my own kids, and often wondered what you did with them once they were born.

No.5 What was the biggest challenge in creating "Breakwater Beach" ?

The complexity. It's a past life story with a heavy historical component. Weaving it together and getting the details right required ten years of research--and expert editing. I had to travel through England and enlist the help of critique partners who knew about Victorian conventions, linguistics, dialect, and the peerage.

No.6 What is the most important thing you have learned in life so far?

Follow your heart and your instincts because you have to live with your decisions for the rest of you life. Doing the right thing is not always the right thing to do.

No.7 How did you come up with the title "Breakwater Beach" ?

The book was originally entitled Unfinished Business, but after I wrote the two sequels that became the series name. I chose one of my favorite beaches that had an ominous tone, which fit the storyline perfectly.

No.8 How do you handle personal criticism?

I restrain my emotion and try to understand what the person is saying. I may go home, kick doors and ruminate, but try to avoid personal confrontations. Sometimes I create characters or incorporate the situation into a story, op-ed, or memoir piece.

No.9 Why should people read your book?

Breakwater Beach is more than a romance. It's an affirmation that life goes on and perhaps that little voice inside your head is from your past. The characters are composites of people I know with true to life problems to overcome. I'm gratified the reviews affirm that both the setting and characterisation make for a compelling read.

No.10 Why is there something rather than nothing?

If you're on Earth and alive you're doing something. Even when you die your memory lives on in some fashion so make the most of it. I'm not even sure there nothingness in deep space.

Liz Levine is convinced her recently deceased husband is engineering the sequence of events that propels her into a new life. But it’s sea captain Edward Barrett, the husband that died over a century ago, who has returned to complete their unfinished business. Edward’s lingering presence complicates all her plans and jeopardizes a new relationship that reawakens her passion for life and love. What are Captain Barrett’s plans for his wife, and for the man who is the new object of her affections?